Purpose:The purpose of this follow-up study was to evaluate the stability of the screw
joint in edentulous patients 1 year after treatment with implant-supported fixed
prostheses (Brånemark system). Materials and Methods:A total of 20 patients were
included, 10 treated in the maxilla and 10 in the mandible. The fixed prostheses were
removed approximately 1 year after insertion, and the stability of the screw joints was
evaluated using a rating scale based upon the CDA quality evaluation criteria of
dental care. Results:All implant-supported fixed prostheses were recorded as stable
before the prosthetic screws (gold screws) were unscrewed. “Unacceptable
loosening” was observed in 4% of the prosthetic screws and in 29% of the abutment
screws. Conclusion:In this study, only a few of the prosthetic screws showed
unacceptable loosening after 1 year of function. The clinical relevance of the observed
high occurrence of loose abutment screws could be questioned, as all fixed
prostheses were initially recorded as stable. Int J Prosthodont 2004;17:177–180.

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